Empowerment Summit Highlights Underserved In The Midst Of The Broadband Revolution

ATLANTA, -- The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) brought together a prominent mix of policymakers, thought leaders, and media today at their 2nd annual Digital Empowerment Summit in Washington, DC:"The State of Underserved Americans in the Midst of the Broadband Revolution." The event, moderated by CNN's Roland Martin, featured community leaders and elected officials. All this in anticipation of the nation's first-ever National Broadband Plan.

The Digital Empowerment Summit included a national panel of experts who discussed the role of wireline and wireless broadband access and adoption in addressing some of the most critical issues facing underserved communities in our country today, such as access to a quality and affordable education, disparities in healthcare and economic development in low-income communities. Through thoughtful conversation, panelists worked to draw attention to these disadvantaged groups as the Federal Communications Commission develops a plan to achieve Broadband access and adoption for all Americans.

"As our society prepares to undergo tremendous structural changes in how vital local, state and federal government services are delivered, we hope to draw attention today to the millions of un-served and underserved Americans who do not yet have Broadband Internet access," said Julius H. Hollis, ADE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "For those individuals with access to broadband and other cutting-edge technologies, unprecedented opportunity is available. This opportunity should be available to all Americans."

"There is still a digital divide that exists today and as a result, many minority and low-income Americans still do not realize the benefits of the digital revolution. Without access to the vast opportunity that Broadband access allows, these already disadvantaged citizens are falling further behind," said Senator Rodney Ellis, ADE Board Member. "It is our duty to do whatever we can to ensure that the last to join the broadband revolution are not the first to drop off."

"At this vastly critical time, we must keep in mind that policies that raise costs for average Americans will disproportionately impact minorities and low-income communities," said Brian Bradford, a member of the ADE Board of Directors. "We need to ensure that broadband policies do not restrict implementation of innovative approaches and do not place a heavier burden on individual consumers."

"We are confident that the digital divide among the races and among income groups can be eliminated; however, we realize there is much work that still needs to be done to achieve this. ADE is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that all Americans 'regardless of their race, ethnicity or income' are empowered to join the digital revolution," said Hollis.

The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved and un-served communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives. For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.